What to Include in a CNC Machining RFQ

A good CNC machining RFQ gives the supplier enough information to understand the part, calculate the manufacturing process, and provide a useful quotation.

A simple and complete RFQ can save time for both purchasing and engineering teams.

What should a CNC machining RFQ include?

1. 2D drawing

The drawing should show the important dimensions, tolerances, datums, threads, and critical features.

2. 3D CAD file

A 3D CAD model helps the supplier understand the actual part geometry.

Common formats include STEP and IGES. Our published CNC machining service information also lists STEP, IGES and STL among supported design formats.

3. Material

Clearly state the material and grade.

For example:

6061-T6 aluminum is much more useful than simply writing “aluminum.”

4. Quantity

Quantity has a major effect on the quotation.

A prototype, 20-piece order, and 1,000-piece production order may require different manufacturing approaches.

5. Tolerance

Identify critical tolerances instead of making every dimension unnecessarily tight.

This helps the supplier understand which features require additional machining or inspection.

6. Surface finish

State the required finishing process, such as:

1.Anodizing

2.Polishing

3.Sandblasting

4.As-machined

Also clarify requirements for critical dimensions after finishing.

What about inspection?

Tell the supplier what inspection documentation you need.

This may include:

1.Dimensional inspection report

2.CMM report

3.Material certificate

4.First article inspection

The requirements should be agreed before production rather than after the parts are finished.

What delivery information should be included?

Your RFQ should also state:

1.Required quantity

2.Target delivery date

3.Shipping destination

4.Packaging requirements

5.Special documentation

This allows the supplier to quote the project more realistically.

Practical example

A strong RFQ might contain:

PDF drawing + STEP file + 6061-T6 + 100 pcs + critical tolerances + black anodizing + inspection report + required delivery date

That is much easier to quote than:

“Please quote this aluminum part.”

For more information about our CNC Machining Services, see our custom machining capabilities.

What makes an RFQ easier to quote?

Keep the information organized.

The supplier should be able to quickly identify:

What to make → What material → How accurate → How many → How to finish → How to inspect → When needed

Conclusion

A complete CNC machining RFQ does not need to be complicated.

The key is providing the drawing, CAD file, material, quantity, tolerances, finish, inspection requirements, delivery requirements, and packaging information.

The clearer the RFQ, the faster the supplier can evaluate the project.

Request a CNC Quote

Ready to Get a CNC Machining Quote?

Send us your 2D drawing + 3D CAD file + material + quantity + tolerance + surface finish + inspection requirements.

Our engineering team can review the requirements and evaluate the machining process for your project.

REQUEST A CNC QUOTE

Don't have every detail finalized yet? Send the drawing you have and explain what you already know.

We can review the available information and identify the key requirements before production.